FALMOUTH, Trelawny — The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development is moving to establish a temporary home for inmates of the Trelawny Infirmary following extensive structural damage to the building by Hurricane Melissa.

The Category 5 storm also left the historic Falmouth Courthouse unusable, forcing the Trelawny Municipal Corporation (TMC) to suspend operations there.

Both buildings, which are managed by the TMC, have been deemed unsuitable for occupation.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, who toured the town on Saturday, said a nearby parcel of municipal-owned land will be used, not only for the temporary facility, but eventually the site of a new, permanent infirmary.

“It will be temporary, but they’re going to be there for quite some time as we now move to design a brand new facility. This location is suitable. It has not been flooded, it is quiet, and it offers comfort for what is being contemplated,” McKenzie said.

According to McKenzie, the goal is to have residents of the infirmary relocated from the Hague Primary and Infant School, which is serving as a temporary shelter, by the end of December.

“The school needs the space, and we are working to get the residents settled. By the beginning of January, they should be in their new home,” he said.

“We are on the move and everything is going according to plan. By the end of December, the residents will have a facility they can call home,” added McKenzie.

At present the 60 residents and some 40 staff of the infirmary remain housed at school where administrators are eager to resume full classroom operations.

McKenzie said four prefabricated units have already been procured and are expected to arrive in Falmouth this week for quick installation.

“The facilities will not be the same as what existed before, but they will be more modern. It will be the first time the infirmary will be using this type of modular structure, which will include bathrooms, toilets, a dining area, and a small recreational space,” said McKenzie.

He said he is satisfied with the progress and credited the municipal collaboration for helping the parish, which was hard hit by Melissa, recover quickly.

McKenzie also used the tour to announce plans to find a new permanent headquarters for the municipal corporation, which has also been displaced.

“The administrative functions can no longer continue from a nearly 170-year-old building that has been devastated. We are beginning the design and planning phase, which will allow us to identify funding and move toward construction,” McKenzie said in an announcement which was welcomed by chairman of the TMC, C Junior Gager.

“This is more than a joy,” said Gager who is the mayor of Falmouth.

“We are grateful for the support and the facilities identified. We want to get back on our feet, earn again, and ensure the residents have a home,” added Gager.